SquashTalk>Columns>Team Kneipp > English Open 05 > "A Squashed World"

Nick Matthew: On fire at the English Open '05  Photo © 2005 Fritz Borchert

Sometimes there are stark reminders of how small the squash community is. Most people know each other, or know of each other. The same faces will pop up over and over again, often at very different venues and countries, challenging your memory and face recognition. ‘Chinese whispers’ roar through the players at an astounding rate, particularly if two players have gotten together at a tournament. If we write something controversial or complimentary we’ll get emails about it immediately.

The first round match between Nick Matthew and Stewart Boswell was a great reminder for me of the intertwined nature of the squash community.

Stewart Boswell Factor: Working his way back up the ladder.  Photo © 2005 Debra Tessier

During this tournament I’m staying with Nick Matthew’s parents. Of the four players seeded to get a qualifier, Nick was the highest ranked. I think Boswell would have had a better chance against, and would have preferred to play, Joe, Shahid or Whitey. It was easily the best match of the night and spectacular squash from both players. Joe and I both predicted Nick winning in four (the much trumpeted betting for the crucible tournament didn’t materialise preventing us from capitalising on this). What I didn’t predict, and was a stark reminder of how small the squash community can be, was sitting beside Joe during the match while he sat in Boswell’s corner trying to coach him to victory (it’s very common for players to help countrymen), knowing I would be going home with Nick’s family. If you’re enjoying a family’s lovely hospitality it can’t look comforting to them that you’re sitting with the group that is trying to halt their son’s progress.

It’s all just part of professional squash.

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